The wind whipped around the corner warning me a storm was brewing. Danger could be waiting with this storm, inside and outside my life. The holidays are here and my wallet's empty. Walking the streets in this wintry wind looking for employment hasn't been successful. I wished I could justify entering the coffee shop to warm my hands around a mug of hot coffee. Gifts were always under our tree when I was growing up, even during the leanest times, but I'm such a failure. I've nothing for my precious children. No tree, gifts, groceries for a holiday meal. No heat, if I don't find work soon. Sometimes I feel I can't go on. If it weren't for my babies, I'd throw myself in front of a car. That nice Santa's helper on the street told me to bring my family to the Salvation Army for dinner on Christmas Eve. There would be candy and a gift for each child. That'll have to do, I guess.

After walking my children to the school bus stop this morning, I started the long walk downtown to look for work. My thin coat was little protection from the wind. I noticed a church across the street and hoped I could warm up if I stepped inside for a few minutes. A rush of warm air heated my face when I entered through the heavy front doors. A feeling of peace settled in my heart. I knew this is where I belonged to solve my problems. The warmth and serenity caused the mental and physical fatigue to overwhelm me. I rested my head on the pew bench and fell into a deep sleep. I wakened with a tap on my shoulder. When I looked up, an angelic smile stared down at me.

"Are you alright, my child?" a nun questioned.

"Oh yes, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep. It's just that things seem so hopeless and I was so cold. I had to come in and warm up for a minute."

I rambled on out of embarrassment.

"No need to be sorry, my dear. Everyone is welcome. We're glad you're able to find peace and refuge. Why are you without hope?"

I whispered so I wouldn't disturb the woman praying in a nearby pew.

"My company went out of business two months ago leaving me without a job. I've been looking every day, but no one is hiring this close to the holidays. Even the seasonal positions are filled. I've used up my savings and the heat will be turned off soon if I don't pay the bill. I have two children I can barely feed and there won't be a Christmas celebration either. I don't know where to turn, Sister. I'm a single mother and have no family to ask for help."

The woman in front of me turned around, stared at me momentarily, and said, "Possibly both of us came to the right place."

"Excuse me? I'm not sure what you mean."

After introductions were finished, Mrs. Jordan explained her predicament.

"My daughter lives in another state and is expecting her second child. There are complications and she's been put on bed rest. She needs someone to help her and care for her two year old toddler. I need to be there with her, but responsibilities don't allow me to leave. My mother's in a wheelchair and needs full-time care. She has a large home and the means to maintain it. But she's unable to do any housework. She loves children and has been a wonderful mother to me. Do you suppose you and your children could stay with her through the holidays? She would pay a small salary along with room and board."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"My children are wonderful and wouldn't cause any problems at all. I love to keep house and worked as a nurse's aide prior to my marriage. I'd be so grateful to have the job and promise to take excellent care of your mother."

"Wonderful, let's go meet my mother to see if this arrangement will work for everyone."

We both hugged the nun before leaving the church.

Sister Clarice knelt when they left and began to pray, "Well, Lord, now you have another job title--employment counselor."

*

The children and I knocked on the door on Christmas Eve, the day we moved in with Mrs. Jordan's mother. When the door opened, marvelous aromas and Christmas melodies tantalized our senses. This was fairyland after the long, cold winter in a drab, drafty apartment. Next to a cozy fireplace stood a majestic Christmas tree heavily decorated with twinkling lights and family ornaments. Sarah, Mrs. Jordan's mother, wheeled her chair in front of the fire and motioned for Alex and Christie to join her. She recited the history of different ornaments on the tree.

"Christmas cookies are baking in the oven. Maybe we can decorate them later. Do you like Christmas stories? I read them to my children when they were small and would love to keep this tradition. Is this okay with you?"

My children's eyes brightened with the glitter of Christmas and promises of treats. They nodded their heads and reached down to hug their new friend. Later, sated with cookies and excitement, they finally fall asleep.

While helping Sarah get ready for bed that night, she turned to face me and said, "Crystal, Santa left several presents and two filled stockings in my closet yesterday. Be sure to put them under the tree tonight for your children."

As I knelt to pray that Christmas eve, I thanked Him for sending me to the right employment office.